My sermon notes for Sunday, Oct. 13th as we continue our study through 2 Corinthians. Remember, these are my personal study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon. To see the sermon each week or subscribe to the weekly sermon podcast please visit http://www.fbcap.net
2 Corinthians 12:11-21 “The Fruits of a True Leader” part 2
From part 1 on Sept. 22nd
Perspective – v. 11
Patience – v. 12a
Trust – v. 12b
Sacrifice – vv. 13-15
Part 2 – Oct. 13th
Intro thoughts/remarks
- Paul closes out his discussion proving his apostolic ministry/calling
- His ministry proves who he was.
- His consistent legacy in ministry
- Leaders make an impact. Christian leaders make an eternal impact. Paul was the real deal, not a false prophet. His results will pay dividends for all eternity.
- The fruits of a true leader.
Matthew 7:15–20 – [15] “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. [16] You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? [17] So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. [18] A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. [19] Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. (ESV)
The Fruits of Leadership:
Integrity – vv. 16-18
Did I? Paul was asking them to remember his ministry. He sent Titus and his brother.
Take advantage of you. Pure motives.
- What are our motives? Self? The Kingdom?
1 Peter 3:13–17[13] Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? [14] But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, [15] but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, [16] having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. [17] For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. (ESV)
Proverbs 12:22 – Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight. (ESV)
Proverbs 21:3 – To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. (ESV)
Reverence – v. 19a (Holy Fear)
He was God fearing
In the sight of God. Paul realized that man is and always will be accountable to God.
- How we live. – Are set apart or blending in
- How we listen. – Reading, Studying, Praying (IN FAITH)
- How we love. – God and others
2 Chronicles 16:9 – For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.” (ESV)
Edification– v. 19b
Encouraged people to grow in their faith.
All for your upbuilding, beloved. A passion for building up.
A passion for people. (stinky sheep)
A ONE ANOTHER life. (it is easier to do life alone. It is easier to not love one another)
Ephesians 4:1–7 – [1] I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, [2] with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, [3] eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [4] There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—[5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. [7] But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. (ESV)
Ephesians 4:11–16 – [11] And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, [12] to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, [13] until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, [14] so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. [15] Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, [16] from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (ESV)
Conviction – vv. 20-21
(strong persuasion or belief . Merriam-Webster)
- A conviction motivated by his love for the Lord and for them.
- DO WE EVEN CARE?
- Loved pointing people to right. (Teach, Encourage, Lead)
- Conviction is recognizing wrong in others and also in us. Both require repentance.
- That you may find me not as you wish. Because of their behavior… Paul knew he would need to rebuke and admonish. They did not really want that. (Most do not like to be corrected!)
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
2 Corinthians 12:11–21 – [11] I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing. [12] The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. [13] For in what were you less favored than the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!
[14] Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. [15] I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? [16] But granting that I myself did not burden you, I was crafty, you say, and got the better of you by deceit. [17] Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you? [18] I urged Titus to go, and sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not act in the same spirit? Did we not take the same steps?
[19] Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and all for your upbuilding, beloved. [20] For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. [21] I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced. (ESV)